Carla Suarez-Navarro: ´ In Serena´s absence, the door is open´

Carla Suarez-Navarro will be carrying the home flag alongside Garbine Muguruza at the Mutua Madrid Open as they both aim to become the first ever Spanish woman to win the event. For the 27 year old who is currently ranked as the World No 11, playing at home has an extra motivation for her.

"I feel extra motivation. The difference is brutal when you have the public for or against and not at all feel pressure. Maybe you can be a little more nervous than usual because you want to do well at home in front of your family and your people, but it's a tournament I get very motivated ". Later on the in the interview, the Spaniard also chose to reflect on the effect the withdrawal of Serena Williams has on the other players playing in the main draw as she believes that with the American absent from the tournament, everybody has an equal chance.